❓ why
Why did the Library of Alexandria decline?
historyancient world
Quick Answer
Rather than one great fire, the library faded over centuries through budget cuts, political purges, wars and damage.
The Full Story
Founded in the 3rd century BC under the Ptolemies, the library became the ancient world's greatest centre of learning. Julius Caesar's fire in 48 BC damaged parts of the city and possibly books stored near the harbour. Earlier, in 145 BC, Ptolemy VIII expelled many scholars, and later wars, including fighting in the 270s AD, damaged the city further. The Serapeum, a daughter library, was destroyed in 391 AD.
Key Facts
1.Estimates of its holdings range from about 40,000 to 400,000 scrolls.
2.Ships docking at Alexandria reportedly had their books copied for the library.
3.A modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened near the site in 2002.
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The Real Story of the Library of Alexandria"